Guaifenesin (“Mucinex”) for Fibromyalgia Pain?

There is a theory that the expectorant called guaifenesin helps reduce pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Guaifenesin can be found in popular, over-the-counter medications such as Mucinex and Robitussin.

The chronic pain management and spine specialists at American Spine discuss the effects of guaifenesin for fibromyalgia pain.

The theory that guaifenesin helps manage fibromyalgia pain stemmed from an assistant clinical professor named Dr. St. Amand. In the 1990s, Dr. St. Amand and his colleague Dr. Robert Bennett conducted a study on the effects of guaifenesin for fibromyalgia pain. Initially, physicians encountered promising results from the medication formulation and attributed the positive results to guaifenesin’s ability to remove excess phosphate from the body. At the time, and to some degree, currently, the removal of phosphates was (or is) said to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.

According to a review of the study by Mark London of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), long-term results have demonstrated guaifenesin may not have much effect on fibromyalgia pain. There are a number of things to consider when it comes to whether or not this medication formulation can reduce fibromyalgia pain. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, genetics, immune dysfunctions, physical defects, infections, current symptoms, and more may or may not support Dr. St. Amand’s theory that guaifenesin helps fibromyalgia pain.

With that, it’s important patients seek proven treatment techniques for their fibromyalgia pain. Taking an over-the-counter medication unsupervised could have devastating effects on the body when mixed with regimented treatments. If you’re suffering from fibromyalgia pain, don’t attempt to treat it yourself. See a specialist at American Spine for a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include some of the following:

Prescription medication

Prescribed exercise

Steroid Injections

Behavioral therapy

And more

To learn more about fibromyalgia, its causes, symptoms, and treatments, visit the Treatments page on the website.

At American Spine, we are dedicated to treating chronic pain and spine conditions. Offering the latest in minimally invasive spine surgery and other effective treatment options, American Spine is the leading pain physician group of California. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (951)-734-PAIN (7246).

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.